Many people from across the nation (and the world) are discovering that Pensacola Beach, Florida, is the ideal place for any wedding, large or small. The sugar-white sand beaches, emerald green water, and mild, sunny days make for a perfect setting. And Pensacola Beach has the distinction of being among the 17 Florida Panhandle sites that made the "Blue Wave" list of the 49 cleanest beaches in the United States. In addition to the beauty and cleanliness, you will find here, normally laid-back locals who will snap into action to do everything they can to make your "special day" a romantic success. Hurricane Ivan was the strongest hurricane to hit Pensacola Beach, but the Island is resilient and has come back. Hotels are available on the beach, but many are finding the large homes along the Gulf lend themselves to accommodating family and friends, and it is just a short walk to the beach where the wedding can take place, and then a short walk back to the house where the catered reception can occur. Click here to take a look at the availability. Kay Lee is an experienced wedding planner and you may contact her for more information at Pensacola Beach Weddings and Events..

If you come to Pensacola Beach, you’ll find a wonderful destination for having your wedding on one of the finest beaches in Florida

The island government has only two rules for weddings. They are designed to keep our beaches clean and safe for everyone -- including you and your wedding party. 

The rules: 

      1 - Tents over 10' x 12' require advance permission from the Santa Rosa Island Authority. Contact SRIA at 1 Via De Luna, Pensacola Beach, FL 32561
Tel: (850) 932-2257. 

      2 -  Your wedding may be sited anywhere along the eight mile beach and no permission is required. However, permission is needed to use the Band Shell on Quietwater Boardwalk or the Pavilion at Casino Beach. You must fill out a form request and submit it at least 30 days in advance.  Among the requirements are: a. Proof of liability in the amount of $1,000,000.00; b. Letter of request to use the facility; and c. An outline of activities.  Again, contact the SRIA at the address and telephone above. 

Chairs may be set up on the beach for the convenience of guests. 

Of course, general rules and common sense still apply. Glass containers are never allowed on the beach.  And, please leave only your footprints when you depart.
 
 

• Both bride and groom must be at least 18 years of age 
• Proof of age is required to obtain a marriage license.  A drivers license, certified copy of your birth certificate, or a military I.D will suffice. 
• If either party is under the age of 18, but at least 16 years of age, a marriage license can be issued upon presentation of written consent from both natural parents, if living and not divorced.  If divorced, the parent signing the consent must present a copy of the custody papers. (If applicant has been married before, the forgoing does not apply.) Stepparents may not sign unless proof of adoption is shown.

Applicants apply to any county in Florida for a Marriage License in order to be married in Florida.  In the immediate Pensacola Beach area, these two county offices are closest: 

1. Santa Rosa County Service Center
5819 Gulf Breeze Blvd 
Gulf Breeze, Florida 
Tel: (850) 934-8187 
(Directions: drive east of Gulf Breeze on Route 98.  The center is on the south side of the highway, just past the Gulf Breeze Zoo). 
License Fee: $ 88.50 
Local Rules:  There will be a waiting period of 3 days if either person is a resident of Florida.  There is NO waiting period for non-residents.  If either party has been divorced within the past year, Santa Rosa County requires a certified copy of the Final Judgment or Decree.  If it has been longer than a year, you need furnish only the date your last marriage ended (month/day/year). 

2.  Escambia County at the M. C. Blanchard Judicial Center
190 Government Street 
Pensacola, Florida 
Tel: (850) 595-4182 ("Marriage License Office")
License Fee:  $93.50
Local rules:  There will be a waiting period of 3 days if either person is a resident of Florida.  A mere listing of the date of divorce is acceptable in Escambia County. The waiting periods of other states will be honored. 

 
            3. Marriage Licenses by Mail.  It is possible for non-Florida residents to obtain a marriage license by mail.  Time is required for processing, etc., therefore, lead time is required.  Click here to check out the web site for information.